Halfpenny (Second Coinage)
Issuer
King Alexander III
(Roxburgh Castle, Scotland, 1241 - 1286)
Datec. 1280
Object NameHalfpenny
Mediumsilver
ClassificationsCoins
DimensionsOverall: Diameter: 14 mm
Approximately: Thickness: 0.1 mm
Weight: Weight: 1.2 gm
Approximately: Thickness: 0.1 mm
Weight: Weight: 1.2 gm
AcquisitionPurchased in 1984 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS007889
About MeThis is a well preserved example of the very rare Alexander III halfpenny. It may well have been lost before it acquired much wear through circulation. It can be seen how the coin-die engraver has simplified the 'standard' reverse design for the halfpenny because of the smallness of the coin: only two stars or mullets are present as opposed to four on the penny.A great disadvantage of the old system of cutting pennies into halves and quarters to give change was that, since coins contained their true value in precious metal, an uneven cut resulted in the pieces being of unequal value. In his second recoinage of 1280 Alexander III followed English practice by introducing round halfpennies and farthings.
